Jacobin Cuckoo vs Indian Cuckoo
Clamator jacobinus compared with Cuculus micropterus
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Jacobin Cuckoo | Indian Cuckoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Clamator jacobinus | Cuculus micropterus |
| Order | Cuculiformes | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae | Cuculidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Length | — | — |
| Wingspan | 29.0 cm (11.4 in) | 39.3 cm (15.5 in) |
| Weight | 83.5 g (2.95 oz) | 120.5 g (4.25 oz) |
| Diet | -- | -- |
| Clutch Size | -- | -- |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Habitat Comparison
Song & Call Comparison
Jacobin Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying call with raucous quality; harsh penetrating notes given from tall canopy tree. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Indian Cuckoo
Loud, far-carrying raucous call; harsh penetrating notes given from tall dense forest canopy. Vocalization pattern typical of this species in its native habitat.
Conservation Status
Jacobin Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo
How to Tell Them Apart
Jacobin Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo: gray above; white below with bold dark barring; four-note call; long dark tail; yellow eye-ring; common Asian species
About These Birds
Jacobin Cuckoo
Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) — 31–34 cm. Bold black-and-white; black crest; white underparts and wing patch; long tail. Widespread from Africa through the Indian subcontinent. Brood parasite targeting babblers. Migratory in part of its range. Insectivore. Known as 'Pied Crested Cuckoo'; its monsoon-season arrival in South Asia is celebrated.
Indian Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus) — 32–34 cm. Grey above; barred underparts; yellow orbital ring; broad dark subterminal tail band. Migratory; widespread from India through Southeast Asia and China to Korea and Japan. Brood parasite targeting drongos and other medium passerines. Insectivore. Famous four-note 'one more bottle' call.